"If I was picking a list of top 10 coaches that I have ever met and wanted to play for,
Erk Russell would be on that list. He is unsurpassed as a motivator." - Bobby Bowden

"Not a young man who played for Erk Russell . . . won't tell his children and
grandchildren something he learned from this great man. It was like that
with Knute Rockne and Bear Bryant." - Keith Jackson

"I would follow him into a blazing fire. Never have I known anyone who could lead
young men like Erk Russell." - Billy Payne

"Erk Russell is absolutely the master of motivators. He could inspire a group of ragtag
players into performing like All-Americans." - Bill Stanfill